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Semantics of programming languages

2010HT

Status Cancelled
School Computer and Information Science (CIS)
Division TCSLAB
Owner Wlodzimierz Drabent
Homepage http://www.ida.liu.se/~wlodr/phd.semantics/

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Course plan

No of lectures

~ 12 * 2h

Recommended for

Anybody interested in theoretical aspects of computer science and in precise reasoning about program correctness.

The course was last given

2008 VT

Goals

Introduction to formal description techniques for defining semantics
of programming languages.
The intention is to give a solid overview of classical approaches
to semantics of programming languages. We believe this knowledge is
necessary for everybody interested in tools and/or formal methods
dealing with program correctness.

Prerequisites

Some degree of mathematical maturity; courses on discrete mathematics,
mathematical logic, and formal languages. Some programming
experience and familiarity with a few programming languages.

Organization

Lectures.
Under consideration: Optional tutorial classes (lektioner) and labs.

Contents

The core of the course:
- operational semantics (small step and big step approach)
- denotational semantics, including its mathematical foundations,
- axiomatic semantics, proving program correctness, and basics of
systematic construction of provably correct programs.
Additional subjects under consideration

Literature

Main textbook:
Hanne Riis Nielson, Flemming Nielson: Semantics with Applications: An Appetizer. Springer, 2007.

Lecturers

W. Drabent

Examiner

W. Drabent

Examination

Home assignments

Credit

4,5 hp (3 p)

Comments

The course is based on TDDA43/TDDD47 programmeringsteori.


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